Ornamental Grass ‘Broomcorn Millet’
Panicum miliaceum violaceum
Description
This unique grass is one of my all-time favorites to grow and cut. The deep green-and-black-tipped seed heads arch over from strong stems, resembling miniature, drooping broom corn. Their elegantly draped, tasseled blooms look amazing in late summer and autumn bouquets, producing abundantly for many weeks from one planting.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest at any stage, from barely emerging to fully elongated. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. To dry, harvest after blooms have dropped their pollen, and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dark place.
Details
Description
This unique grass is one of my all-time favorites to grow and cut. The deep green-and-black-tipped seed heads arch over from strong stems, resembling miniature, drooping broom corn. Their elegantly draped, tasseled blooms look amazing in late summer and autumn bouquets, producing abundantly for many weeks from one planting.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 24 to 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest at any stage, from barely emerging to fully elongated. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. To dry, harvest after blooms have dropped their pollen, and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dark place.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
